14 April 2016

Family treasures part of WWI display

For the de Lisle family, a nurse’s uniform and a bugle that are part of the MTG Hawke’s Bay exhibition FROM THE UTTERMOST ENDS OF THE EARTH: 1914 – 1918 are of special significance.

Locals and visitors have greater opportunity to visit MTG Hawke’s Bay to view this special exhibition on ANZAC Day, as the facility is opening at the earlier time of 7am and it will have free entry.

The uniform was worn by Florence Rawhiti Arohanui de Lisle, who trained as a nurse at Napier Hospital in 1917 and served at No 3 NZ General Hospital Codford, England, looking after injured New Zealand soldiers.

Her brother, Ferdinand Rangatira de Lisle left New Zealand with the Wellington Infantry Battalion as a bugler and landed at Gallipoli with the first group of New Zealanders and Australians.

His bugle is engraved with the four First World War locations in which it was used. The Gallipoli Campaign was to be its last.

For the de Lisle family today, these objects are family treasures gifted to the museum to remind us of the bravery and sacrifices made by many local people.

Collection of Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Tā-ū-rangi, 64/53, gifted by Mrs Florence Le Lievre

MTG Hawke’s Bay will have free entry on ANZAC Day, Monday 25 April, and will be open from 7am to 5pm. Switch coffee roasters will be operating in the Main Foyer from 7am, and there will be children’s activities.

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